Everton have confirmed the appointment of Ronald Koeman as the club’s new manager.
The Barcelona legend has signed a three-year deal with the Blues to become Roberto Martinez’s successor.
Prolonged negotiations between Everton officials and Southampton to release the 53-year-old from the final 12 months of his existing contract at St Mary’s successfully concluded last Tuesday, leaving him free to take the Goodison Park hot seat.
The Dutchman finalised terms with Everton officials earlier this week to become the 15th permanent manager in the club’s history.
Koeman’s coaching career has mirrored an illustrious playing CV, with spells in charge of Ajax, Benfica and Valencia prior to joining the South Coast club in 2014.
He said: “I am very excited to be Everton manager. I believe in the club, in the team, in the fans and in our ability to achieve things in the future.
“Everton is a club with a great history and real ambition and it is a proud feeling for me to be part of what we want to go and do, together with the chairman and Farhad Moshiri.
“I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the club and to preparing for a big season in the Premier League.”
Chairman Bill Kenwright added: “We are really pleased to have secured the man who was our No.1 target from the moment we set out to appoint a new manager.
“Ronald has such a strong track record in the game, instantly commanding respect for what he achieved as a player and for his qualities and accomplishments as a manager.
““The hopes and aspirations that we all have as Evertonians are with him, as is our total support at board, shareholder and fan level.”